Golden Peaks & Crystal Lakes of Switzerland

Day One

We travel south to Dover for our ferry crossing to Calais, before continuing through northern France to the historic city of Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region. Our centrally located overnight hotel provides a convenient base, with the evening free to explore the city's restaurants and cafés or simply relax after our journey.

Day Two

Our journey continues through France and into Switzerland, where the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as we approach the Swiss Alps. On reaching Alpnachstad, we board the remarkable cogwheel railway for an unforgettable ascent of Mount Pilatus. Climbing steeply through woodland, mountain pastures and rugged alpine scenery, the railway carries us towards the summit at 2,132 metres.

Our destination is the extraordinary Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, our mountain retreat for the next two nights. With magnificent panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps, this is a wonderful place to spend the evening. Enjoy dinner in the hotel and, weather permitting, the unforgettable sight of the mountains bathed in the warm colours of sunset.

Day Three

A wonderful day of mountain and lakeside scenery awaits as we experience the famous Golden Round Trip. Descend from Mount Pilatus aboard the spectacular aerial cableway and panoramic gondolas to Kriens, enjoying magnificent views as the alpine landscape unfolds beneath us.

We continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, set beside its sparkling lake and surrounded by mountains. Enjoy free time to explore the attractive Old Town, with its colourful historic buildings, cobbled squares and inviting cafés. Don't miss the famous Chapel Bridge, with its distinctive Water Tower, one of Switzerland's most recognisable landmarks.

Later, we take to the water for a delightful cruise across Lake Lucerne, admiring the lakeside villages, wooded hillsides and dramatic peaks from a completely different perspective. Arriving at Alpnachstad, we once again board the spectacular cogwheel railway for the climb back to our mountain hotel.

Day Four

Today brings another unforgettable highlight as we travel to Interlaken, beautifully situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz, to board the celebrated GoldenPass Express.

Settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy one of Switzerland's great panoramic rail journeys. The train winds through lush valleys, past traditional wooden chalets and alpine meadows, with magnificent mountain scenery unfolding through the large panoramic windows. Along the way, we pass the fashionable resort of Gstaad and the charming villages of Château-d'Oex and Montbovon, before descending towards the shores of Lake Geneva.

Our railway journey concludes in the elegant resort of Montreux, famous for its beautiful lakeside promenade and stunning mountain backdrop. From here, we continue to Lausanne, where our four-star hotel overlooking Lake Geneva will be our home for the next three nights.

Day Five

Discover the beauty of Lake Geneva as we enjoy a scenic cruise across its sparkling waters to Yvoire, one of the most enchanting medieval villages in France. With the Alps rising in the distance and attractive lakeside scenery throughout the journey, this is a delightful way to arrive.

Dating back more than 700 years, Yvoire is a wonderful place to explore on foot. Step through its ancient stone gateways into a maze of narrow cobbled lanes, where traditional buildings are adorned with colourful flowers and small boutiques sit alongside welcoming cafés and restaurants. The village's beautifully preserved medieval character and peaceful lakeside setting make it a particularly memorable destination.

Enjoy free time to wander at your own pace, discover the picturesque harbour or relax over lunch before we return by coach to Lausanne.

Day Six

Today we visit the beautiful French town of Annecy, nestled between the mountains and the remarkably clear waters of Lake Annecy. Often described as the Venice of the Alps, Annecy is celebrated for its winding canals, pastel-coloured buildings and flower-decked bridges.

Enjoy a leisurely day discovering its delightful Old Town, where narrow pedestrian streets lead to bustling squares, independent shops and pavement cafés. One of the town's most photographed landmarks is the Palais de l'Île, a medieval building set on a small island in the River Thiou.

Stroll through the lovely Jardins de l'Europe beside the lake, enjoy lunch at a waterside restaurant or perhaps take an optional boat cruise to admire the surrounding mountains and lakeside villages. With its wonderful combination of alpine scenery, historic architecture and relaxed French atmosphere, Annecy is a lovely place to spend the day.

Day Seven

After breakfast, we leave the shores of Lake Geneva and begin our journey home, travelling through Switzerland and into France. Enjoy the changing scenery along the way as we continue north towards Reims, where we return to our overnight hotel. The evening is free to relax or enjoy a meal in one of the city's restaurants.

Day Eight

Following breakfast, we continue to Calais for our return ferry crossing to Dover. Once back in England, we travel north towards our original pick-up points, bringing home wonderful memories of Switzerland's magnificent mountains, crystal-clear lakes and unforgettable journeys.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included